By More Matshediso
Rustenburg – Communities living around the Lonmin mining area in the North West say they are committed to helping police combat crime.
This after Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko met with community members on Friday at the Marikana Community Hall to thrash out ways to strengthen the fight against crime.
The meeting follows the recent murder of two mineworkers in the area. Minister Nhleko urged those present to be part of the solution by joining Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and other organisations that work towards fighting crime.
Community members shared their struggles and concerns around safety and security with the Minister. One of their biggest concerns was that the Marikana police station is not easily accessible to them, giving crime room to escalate.
Boy-boy Motau, from Wonderkop Ext. 2, is a CPF member in his neighbourhood. He told SAnews about the community’s frustrations.
“It is not nice living here… we don’t sleep at night. We [CPF members] always get calls from residents day and night.”
While Motau said they always alert the police immediately, police have difficulties responding on time to crime scenes. This, he said, affects the trust residents have in CPF members.
“People say we wanted to be CPF members but we are not helping to fight crime at all,” said Motau.
He said most criminal activities take place under the cover of darkness when people come back from taverns, especially when mineworkers have been paid.
“All we can do as CPF members is to be the eyes and ears of the police. We don’t have the right to arrest a person, even if he is before us. We have to call the police and they do the arresting,” Motau said.
Wonderkop had a satellite police station over two years ago but it had to close down for the police’s own safety after the Marikana tragedy.
During discussions at the meeting, another CPF member from Boitekong, also said the police station is far, and there are not enough police officers to combat crime in the area.
“Our population is growing rapidly here. We need more police officers. The police station should also be moved closer to our communities,” he said.
He pleaded with his fellow residents to stop harbouring criminals in their homes.
“If your child is a criminal, report them to the police. We should also stop buying stolen goods because that is also a crime,” he said.
One community member pleaded with Minister Nhleko to assist in changing the image of Marikana.
The communities were affected by the Marikana tragedy two years ago, where 34 striking Lonmin platinum mine workers were killed in clashes with police.
In response, Minister Nhleko said investigations were ongoing in the recent murders of the two mineworkers.
The Minister held various meetings with business and traditional leaders and school principals in the area prior to meeting with the community.
“Throughout, there is an appreciation of the operation that we have mounted in Rustenburg,” Minister Nhleko said.
He pleaded with the community to work with police to fight crime.
“Without you, we cannot win this fight. We cannot do it alone, we need you to help us,” Minister Nhleko said.
Infrastructure
Responding to the issue of a satellite police station being set up in Wonderkop, Minister Nhleko said his department and the local municipality will identify a site.
“We are currently working with the municipality to identify a site central to communities in Boitekong for accessibility,” said the Minister.
The visit is also part of government Batho Pele programme, where the needs and well-being of the citizens are put first. - SAnews.gov.za
